Today is the day where our nation is focused on the power of gratitude – Thanksgiving.
Families and friends gather around tables and communities pause the busy daily routines to take a breath and acknowledge the people and circumstances that bring their lives meaning.
Thanksgiving is a sort of annual reset for America, one that encourages reflection, togetherness and a sense of grounding in a culture that often seems to move too fast.
Thanksgiving is always less about the traditional trappings of turkey and football games, but more about the act of noticing what we have as opposed to what we lack. Gratitude is not meant to be confined to a single day, and while Thanksgiving provides a warm and familiar ritual, true appreciation becomes transformative when it is worked into everyday life.
Cultivating a sense of gratitude year-round can shift your perspective and to help you focus on small moments of joy and acts of kindness.
A simple “thank you,” spoken sincerely, and often, reinforces bonds between friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors.
The Thanksgiving holiday might be the cultural touchstone to bring gratitude to the forefront of our culture, but its true purpose is to encourage a habit that lasts long after all of the dishes are washed and put away and the last of the leftover turkey has found its way into sandwiches.
In the spirit of gratitude, we reached out to our readers to see what they were thankful for, and we appreciate those who chimed in. We also want to include some words of thanks from some of our staff.
What I am thankful for…
“At Cypress & Creed, we’re thankful for this community, the stories swapped over the counter, and everyone who supports our small-town way of life.
We’re also thankful for gravy boats, unbuttoned jeans, and families who don’t ask questions when we disappear for “ice” and come back smelling like gunpowder and Deer Camp.
Happy Thanksgiving, y’all.” – Virginia and Alyssa Moore
“I am thankful for God mercy and forgiveness, my children, and my family. Also for them never giving up on me.” – Whitney Paige Freeman
“My Family” – Lois Bell
“I am thankful for this time in my life, with the blessing of receiving texts from my grandson saying, “I love you Mimi”, “Thank you Mimi”, “Have a good day Mimi”, “Here’s a funny joke Mimi”. I am also incredibly thankful for 35 years of job security thanks to the Holley family and PCPC.” – Kelli Barnes
“I am thankful for my husband. He works out of town, all week, to provide a good life for his family. He’s so good to me, our children and our grandchildren.”– Beth Faircloth
“This season I am thankful first of all that God loves me without end and unconditionally. Second, my children and grandchildren and my mother whom God has blessed me with and keeps his hedge of protection around them and around me. Also, to the friends He has placed in my life. I am grateful for my PCPC family. Each one of them holds a space in my heart and are special in many different ways. We truly are a team that can work together.” – Donna Hammer
